Photoclean Food Industry Filtration:
—an innovative and effective system
Since 2005, Photoclean has specialized in air treatment for the food industry and the wine industry. Recognizing the challenges faced by professionals in these industries, the company has developed a filtration solution for the food industry that combines high performance, energy efficiency, and optimized productivity. Here’s a closer look at the Photoclean concept and product line.
What is filtration in the food industry?
The filters used in food industry facilities are designed to trap contaminants, whether particulate or microbiological, such as bacteria, yeast, or mold. Filtration in the food industry applies to both the manufacturing and packaging of finished products.
Why is effective filtration crucial in the food industry?
This sector of the food industry is driven by one central need: food safety. Protecting consumer health requires the decontamination of food industry facilities.
The EN 1822:2019 standard, as well as the new ISO 16890 standard, apply to the installation of HEPA filters. In summary, the regulatory requirements are as follows:
- Filtration with a minimum H13 rating, corresponding to a 99.95% contaminant retention rate;
- Filters capable of capturing microparticles smaller than 1 µm.
Choosing absolute filtration with a HEPA filter for air decontamination is not an ideal solution for the food industry. In fact, this solution involves considerable costs—in terms of installation, energy, and maintenance—since these filters must be replaced regularly.
However, it is crucial to filter the air to ensure optimal hygiene in your facilities. But is there a less expensive alternative that would remove contaminants?
Common Contaminations in Food Industry Facilities
Due to the products handled and the processes used, the food industry is particularly vulnerable to microbiological and chemical contamination. These come in several forms:
- Mold caused by condensation or certain processing methods in industrial bakeries or cheese factories, for example;
- Ethylene release, which causes accelerated ripening of fruits and vegetables;
- Bacterial contamination of meat or cheese (Salmonella, Listeria, etc.).
The Consequences of Contamination in the Food Industry
Because they handle products primarily intended for human consumption, professionals in the food industry are required to ensure the absolute food safety of their production. The cleanliness of food industry facilities and equipment is inextricably linked to clean ambient air.
The risks associated with contamination in an industrial setting are both health-related—such as food poisoning—and economic—including the recall of affected products and the destruction of contaminated inventory. The reputation of the affected brand also suffers. This is why filtration is a major concern for the food industry.
Photoclean, a partner to professionals in the food industry
Our company designs and develops industrial decontamination solutions for pharmaceutical, wine industry, and food industry companies. Our goal: to offer innovative, effective, compact, and energy-efficient products.
Using photolysis, combined with a media patented by us, we offer a complete line of industrial air decontamination units designed to meet the needs of businesses. These units can operate independently or be integrated into an existing air handling system and deliver optimal performance even when handling very large volumes.
The Photoclean Industrial Air Purification Solution
HEPA filters are commonly used to mechanically trap large particles. However, their effectiveness requires bulky and energy-intensive systems. Activated carbon filtration, on the other hand, traps the chemical molecules responsible for unpleasant odors or cork taint in wine. However, it requires frequent filter replacement and does not perform well in humid environments.
Photoclean offers a revolutionary system for optimizing air quality in food manufacturing and processing facilities. A patented silica fiber support increases the filter’s surface area and traps microorganisms for the time required for UV-C rays to take effect. The UV-C rays destroy viruses, bacteria, and mold through photolysis, while allowing inert particles to pass through. The result: truly effective filter media with no pressure drop or excessive bulk, ensuring that the equipment is also energy-efficient.
Photoclean products are suitable for a wide range of applications across all industrial sectors that require a high level of air quality. Manufactured in France, our units are also shipped throughout Europe and around the world. Request an audit of your facilities and get a quote for a customized solution.
Why are we experts in industrial filtration solutions for the food industry?
For two decades, Photoclean has remained at the forefront of innovation in industrial air filtration. From the very beginning, we’ve been working to address the challenge associated with UV sterilization: a highly effective process, but one that requires prolonged exposure to UV rays.
After years of research and development, we arrived at a revolutionary solution that combines the effectiveness of UV-C rays with patented filter media. The concept is simple: continuously filter the air and destroy contaminants using UV light.
This solution enables the complete elimination of contaminants, whether they are bacteria such as Salmonella or Listeria, or mold caused by condensation in the food industry.
How does the Photoclean solution benefit the food industry?
Our industrial air decontamination process enables manufacturers to operate more efficiently and address all the challenges of the food industry.
Here are the main benefits of our filter units and filter elements:
- Continuous, high-quality filtration;
- Permanent destruction of pollutants (rather than simply capturing them);
- A footprint two to three times smaller than that of traditional food industry filtration systems;
- Minimal pressure drop, resulting in substantial energy savings;
- Optimal air treatment with no dead zones, even for large volumes.
How can you get a quote for your industrial filtration system?
Photoclean will visit your facility and conduct a comprehensive audit to provide you with a solution tailored to your needs. Fill out the form below to have an advisor contact you.